"My pregnancy experience with my second baby"

I delivered my first son in RJMHS in 2019. His labour was very traumatic for multiple reasons and it took a lot for me to ever consider having another baby. I decided to book into RJMHS when I found out I was pregnant again as I felt they would understand my previous trauma better.

Nikki (midwife) at my booking appointment was amazing and she really made me feel safe and heard. I was placed under the care of clinical psychology who were amazing! I was consultant led and attended the birth review clinic 27+4. From here my experience unfortunately was far from my expectations.

The clinic was always very busy but seemed well managed. I was seen again just before 30 weeks and the plan that previous doctor had suggested was contradicted by the doctor at this appointment. The doctor advised me my iron levels were low but the only way I could get my medication was to walk to hospital pharmacy (I was alone and experiencing bad pelvic pain). The doctor advised me they had no idea where my placenta was despite previous doctor stating it was worryingly close to my scar. I tried to discuss my birth options and felt dismissed.

I spoke with one of the lead midwives and had a repeat appointment arranged for 2 weeks time. At that appointment I asked to be seen by a consultant when booking on at reception. When I was called into my appointment I met a new doctor who I was not familiar with. The doctor had my green notes but proceeded to ask me if this was my first baby (no). They then asked if my previous baby was a natural delivery (no again!) My husband asked if my notes were not up to date or if they had not read them: they advised they hadn’t read them as they were very busy.

To be clear: I had a letter from clinical psychology in the front page of my notes detailing my previous birth trauma and MH difficulties and specifying how I should be spoken to. I then had to explain my previous experience for the doctor. When the doctor scanned me they did not speak at all and had to eventually call a senior doctor in to scan me. The senior doctor then advised the doctor what to write word for word in my notes. By this stage I was very concerned about the level of care I was experiencing (I had specified from the beginning that my mental wellbeing would be severely impacted by another traumatic delivery). I again contacted one of the lead midwives and discussed my concerns (Barbara is amazing!!!!) 

I attended admissions the following week (just over 32 weeks pregnant with a small bleed. The phone lines are a disaster: you just have to turn up because no one ever answers! I had my urine tested by a midwife and was advised there was possible infection and she would send a MSU. I had movements checked but was advised I would need to see the doctor. When I was called in it was the same doctor from the previous appointment which made me feel nervous. I explained my symptoms and they gained consent for a speculum examination. This was very painful but when it was completed they left the cubicle and allowed me to dress.

When I opened the curtains the doctor passed my notes to me and told me I could leave. I asked about my bleeding and what might be causing it. The doctor stated that sometimes we don’t know, and that I could go. By this stage I was too tired to question and left for home. I did not receive antibiotics or treatment for the possible urine infection and the doctor did not mention it. I rang my own GP two days later and was prescribed antibiotics immediately. 

Following this experience I no longer felt able to continue my care in RJMHS and I transferred my care to another hospital. 

I fully appreciate that the NHS is under immense strain but feeling safe was my priority. I experienced inconsistent and conflicting information from the various clinicians and I felt there was minimal continuity of care (in my experience). I fully understand that continuity is not always possible but as a patient I expect that my notes are referenced before reviewing me and that the HCP responsible for my care has an understanding of my needs. 

Despite the above I cannot thank Barbara, Nikki and the maternity clinical psychology team enough. I also met a registrar called Charlotte just before I transferred my care. Had I have met her earlier things might have been different but unfortunately not. 

I hope this opinion is used to constructively support the maternity service and help to better support pregnant mothers. 🫶🏻